Some places are meant for lovers. At Bora Bora, honeymooners will find themselves falling in love with its endless blue ocean, mesmerizing mountain landscape, and bohemian, white-sand beaches.
Here, in this island oasis made for two, are opportunities for underwater adventures, romantic dining at specialty restaurants, and organic outdoor spa and wellness treatments that promise to reinvigorate the mind, body, and soul.
If you picked Bora Bora as your next honeymoon destination, then be ready for one of the most memorable getaways of your life. Here’s what to expect:
About Bora Bora
Bora Bora is an island in French Polynesia, belonging to the Leeward group of the Society Islands, which are financially assisted by France. The main island is surrounded by a lagoon and barrier reef, and home to two extinct volcano peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu.
Getting here requires a flight transfer from Tahiti. You’ll arrive at the island’s main town Vaitape. Public transportation is limited. There is only one bus that goes halfway across the island every hour. But taxis are readily available. Boats and ferries are essential for getting around to other parts of the island.
The main languages spoken here are French and Tahitian, but most locals understand English.
Bora Bora’s currency is the CFP Franc (XPF). But most places accept Visa and Mastercard. ATMs, banks, and currency exchange places are also available near hotels and resorts. You will only need a small amount of cash for souvenirs, around $300-500. Some excursions and transportation will accept CAD and USD.
What to Bring Checklist
*Light Clothing, including light jackets and sweatshirts for cooler evenings.
*Sun protection, including sunscreen with high SPF, sun hats, and sunglasses.
*Swimwear, flops, breathable shoes and water shoes (reef shoes). If you plan on hiking, bring hiking shoes and water bottles.
*Power adaptor and personal electronics, i.e. laptop for storing photos and to access the Internet.
*Mosquito repellent and bug spray.
*Snorkelling gear, if you don’t want to rent used equipment. Floaties are also nice to have if you plan on jumping into the water from overwater bungalows.
*Flashlight with extra batteries, because there are no streetlights near the beaches or outdoor locations.
*Camera and/or underwater cameras and underwater cases, pouches.
*Buy travel insurance.
Where to Go and What to Do
Mount Otemanu
This jagged mount peak stands around 2,400-ft over the main island and offers an awe-inspiring view from every side.
Things to do
Boat tours by zodiac, catamaran, pontoon, or skiffs. Climb up Otemanu’s jungle-covered slopes with 4X4, ATV, and off-road vehicles. You can also hike up to the “Sacred Cave” lookout point near the summit to get a sweeping view of the island below. It’s not possible to ascend the peak due to its crumbly surface, but it is possible to take a helicopter tour and fly overhead or circle the island.
Matira Beach
Considered to be Bora Bora’s most popular public beach, Matira is lapped by warm, gentle waters, perfect for water activities and catching golden sunsets.
Things to do
Swimming, snorkelling, water-skiing, parasailing, scuba diving and manta ray diving tours are available near the beach. Matira is also close to several open-air restaurants that serve fresh seafood and mahi-mahi burgers.
Lagoon
Glassy and crystal-clear enough to see straight to the bottom, Bora Bora’s lagoon teems with marine wildlife and colourful coral reefs. One of the main attractions on the island, the lagoon’s postcard-perfect scenery is perfect for spending the day exploring.
Things to do
A wide range of tours and excursions are available on the main island, including photography tours and coral reef garden snorkelling tours. Jet-surfing, kite-surfing, and submarine tours are all popular adventuring activities for couples. Also, check out the underwater sanctuary “Lagoonarium” which houses schools of kaleidoscopic tropical fish, corals, and marine wildlife.
Where to Stay
Bora Bora by Four Seasons
From beachfront villas to overwater bungalows, Bora Bora by Four Seasons features world-class accommodations paired with tranquil seaside ambience and attentive service. Located by the waterfront, the property is fitted with thatched-roof cabanas by its palm-dotted lagoon view pool, along with spa and fitness facilities that provide comprehensive treatments and yoga classes. Designed with couples in mind, Four Seasons features the Kahaia Spa Suite, boasting glass bottom floors, treatment bed, and outdoor tub with a sweeping view of Mount Otemanu. Guests can also choose from a wide variety of romantic dining options, serving up both internationally-inspired cuisine and Polynesian fare.
Intercontinental Resort & Thalasso Spa Bora Bora
Deluxe comfort, contemporary décor, and premium amenities are only the beginning of this 5-star resort. With spacious, modern overwater villas and mountainside suites, guests can expect the best view of Bora Bora’s unspoiled scenery at every corner of this island-inspired property. Featuring a Deep Sea Ocean Spa nestled in lush tropical garden edged by a crystal-clear lagoon, the facility offers Bora Bora’s first seawater therapy along with comprehensive organic treatments. Those seeking fine-dining will not be disappointed by its specialty restaurants and bars or its exclusive prime location and intimate environment.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Steeped in the total serenity of Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoon, this property faces idyllic beaches and offers overwater, beachfront, and garden view villas with glass bottom floors. Featuring globally-inspired and Polynesian-style menus from head chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at its main restaurants, St. Regis provides both alfresco and waterfront dining venues. Kicking back is made easy with St. Regis’ 13,000 sq. ft. Miri Miri Spa by CLARINS nestled on a private island overlooking the resort’s Lagoonarium.
Where to Eat
Fine-dining restaurants
